16 May 2016

On Sunday, Jordan Henderson returned from injury to make a 30-minute cameo against West Brom, but will that be enough for him to win a starting spot in the Europa League final this week?

Reds legend John Aldridge doesn't think so. In his column for the Liverpool Echo today, he mused:

"I think Jordan Henderson will have to make do with starting on the bench in Basel. He might play a part in some way but I think we all know the team – it’s the one that’s played most of the games in Europe".

Aldo is probably correct, but €35m-rated Henderson's status as club captain cannot be discounted, and that may hold some weight when it comes to Klopp's final selection decision.

Additionally, Henderson will have four straight days of training before the final, and in that period, he may convince Klopp that he's ready to lead the team.

If Hendo starts, who makes way? It's safe to assume that Can, Milner, Sturridge, and Coutinho are nailed-on starters. That leaves Firmino and Lallana, and of the two, the Brazilian is more prolific for Liverpool this season.

For me, it's a no-brainer: if Hendo is to start, then Lallana needs to make way. Possible team with Hendo: